Customer Billing Specialist (Accounting Technician II - BU)

City Light’s Customer Operations Division is hiring two Customer Billing Technicians, who could be located within any of the following groups: Account Control, Validation or New Accounts. In Customer Operations, this position is not general ledger accounting or accounts payable. They are customer billing positions which require the same skills as typical accounting positions within this job class. In these roles, you will review and correct issues with customer accounts that impact billing. Work will be performed in the customer management and billing software rather than the financial system. This is back-office, customer supporting work that requires interaction with customers to gather needed information and communicate outcomes.
  
Using knowledge of basic accounting/bookkeeping, you will under minimal guidance, perform complex and responsible accounting support tasks, research and analyze facts, and present findings upon which important or costly decisions could be made. You’ll be in contact with the public, other agencies, other departments or departmental employees for exchanging and providing information. This position relies heavily on the customer billing and meter management systems, and reports to the Utility Account Supervisor.

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. 

Here is more about what you’ll be doing: 

• Processes customer refunds, payment transfers or reversals, returned bank items.
• Researches and corrects billing errors or discrepancies using established processes.
• Identifies recurring or systemic issues and recommends solutions.
• Uses multiple systems to research and understand complex billing scenarios.
• Interacts with other departments to facilitate account correction.
• Interacts with customers to understand issues and relay account status and proposed solutions.
• Prepares and reviews reports, forms, account transactions, customer billings and other reports or documents required in assigned area. 
• Compiles information and data required for the preparation of expenditure and revenue reports. 
• Reconciles, reviews, verifies and corrects entries, codes or documents prepared by others to ensure the accuracy of information.

In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has: 

Requires two years accounting/bookkeeping experience or one year experience as an Accounting Technician I; (or a combination of education/training/experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, meet strict deadlines, and adapt to a changing work organization
• Strong background in resolving complex reconciliation issues
• Demonstrated experience working with large scale information systems (PeopleSoft, SAP, Oracle)
• Demonstrated ability in providing good customer service with excellent follow-up skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Self-starter

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Emergency Response Commitment: 

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

The full salary range for this position is $33.72 to $39.18 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application: 

• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience. 

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications.   Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.